Our #MeetInKerry Ezine is packed full of the latest MICE news from the Kingdom of Kerry. No Images? Click here #MeetInKerryIts where ancient history and future worlds collide...... Let us inspire youOur December #MeetInKerry Ezine is packed full of the latest MICE news from the Kingdom of Kerry. From the exciting launch of our revamped website to new, innovative experiences and event spaces now available across the region, we hope the stories and information will inspire fresh thinking and new perspectives on why you should #MeetInKerry #MakeItIreland for your next event. We'd also like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Kerry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to connecting with you again in 2019. The Big RevealKerry Convention Bureau is delighted to announce the launch of our new website, designed to be your one stop shop when planning a #MeetInKerry event. Whether it is searching for a venue, finding out more about the diverse destinations has to offer or accessing creative itinerary suggestions and practical supports, the site is here to be your 'go to' resource on all things MICE In the Kingdom. Take a look todayExtraordinary Fam ProgramsIn 2018, KCB ran two 'Experiential Weekend in Kerry' fam programs. The two day, two night destination showcases provided the opportunity for #EventProfs to visit the Kingdom, explore our breathtaking landscapes, experience a taste of the engaging activity options on offer, sample local artisan produce and connect with local industry. In May, the program included a day of adventure on the Dingle Peninsula and the Gary Barlow Concert while in September, participants enjoyed Riverdance, scenic helicopter flight and Go Team Treasure Hunt. If you would like to express your interest in joining one of our 2019 #MeetInKerry events, email sales@kerryconventionbureau.com Keeping It Green: Sustainability InitiativesKerry enters GDS-IndexHot of the press is the exciting news that #MeetInKerry has made the 2018 Global Destination Sustainability Index which ranks the sustainability performance of more than 50 MICE destinations worldwide, across Environment, Social, Supplier & Convention Bureau Performance criteria. The GDS-Index is a collaborative business initiative created to help Destinations, Convention Bureaux, Event Planners and Suppliers drive the adoption and recognition of sustainable practices in their regions and in the global events industry. We are extremely proud to now be ranked alongside key global MICE destinations including Dublin, Houston, Sydney, Kyoto, Barcelona, Geneva, Helsinki, Stockholm and Frankfurt. Siamsa Tíre: Ireland's first 'Green Theatre & Event Centre'Siamsa Tíre is the first theatre in Ireland to achieve Creative Green Certification under a scheme run by London based charity, Julie’s Bicycle. Creative Green is the only international environmental certification scheme designed specifically for the creative and cultural industries. Busy Bees at The Rose Hotel In August, 60,000 bees settled into two new hives on the Rose Hotel rooftop. The Bee Species is Native Irish Black Bee and there are 2 Queen Bees; one per hive. By August 2019, the honey produced by the bees will used in the hotel, with the honey comb available for guests to enjoy on the breakfast buffet. Awards GaloreWith many of our member properties regularly taking out top national and international accolades, Kerry is deserving of its reputation as one of Ireland's top destinations for meetings and incentives. The latest KCB Member awards include: Travel & Leisure 2018 World Best Awards Top 10 Hotels in the UK & Ireland - #3 Top 10 Resorts in Europe - #6 Top 100 Hotels in the World - #50 Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards Best 5 Star Spa: ESPA at The Hotel Europe and Resort Ireland’s Best Four Star Hotel & Bar of the Year: Trivago Awards 2019 Best 5* Hotel in Ireland: #2 - Killarney Park Hotel #9 - Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney Best 4* Hotel in Ireland: #2 - The Ross, Killarney National Hospitality Awards Best Resort Hotel: Best Conference Hotel: Ireland's Blue Book New inclusions for 2019: What's New in the Kingdom......New Member spotlightOrangeworksKCB's newest member Orangeworks specialise in creating exceptional experiences that your delegates will remember forever. They are industry leaders in delivering bespoke adventures and incentive programs, offering creative team building and team development, automotive launches, Bear Grylls Survival Academy Ireland and 4×4 Off Road Driving. With experiences like the newly launched Go Team Killarney Treasure Hunt challenge and the Ring of Kerry Go Team 4WD challenge on offer, Orangeworks can tailor itineraries for all group sizes and budgets. Go Team, Go Give: Innovative CSR optionsFor a team building activity which delivers a legacy outcome for the local community, why not add a CSR component by incorporating challenges which when completed by the teams leads to a meaningful outcome for your chosen CSR partner. KCB can introduce you to local organisations and assist you to create memorable programs that positively affect both communities in need and also the delegates that take part. Talk to us today to find out more Sensational Seaweed Spa ExperienceWe think you will love this exciting & authentic new experience which can be set up in idyllic locations throughout Kerry. Using seawater from the Wild Atlantic Way put through a state of the art heating system, individual Irish whiskey barrel hot tubs are filled with local hand harvested seaweed & stirred with hurleys for an extra Irish twist. From their vantage point overlooking the Atlantic ocean, allow the Kingdom's breathtaking landscapes to awaken your delegates senses & relax the body & mind. Activity ideal for small groups as inclusion in social & partner programs Making #MeetInKerry MemoriesBring out the inner artist in your delegates and enable them to create a permanent memento to take home of the spectacular landscape which provided the backdrop to their #MeetInKerry event.... Delivered by local, renowned artist Ronnie Moore, painting workshops or demonstrations can be delivered onsite at your hotel, in stunning locations throughout the region or at the artists studio, overlooking the Killarney Lakes and the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. "When you have the chance to look at Ronnie’s paintings up Options include participants creating their own watercolour painting with all materials supplied or sitting back, relaxing and enjoying interactive demonstration by Ronnie. Activity ideal for small groups as inclusion in social & partner programs Offsite Venues with a differenceNew: Charming Church offers outdoor spaceSt Mary's (Church of Ireland) is a beautiful church, located in the heart of Killarney town. The church is frequently host to free concerts showcasing local musicians. We are delighted to advise that the large grassed area outside the church is now available, on a limited basis for events, with all requests being considered on a case by case basis. Event Space: Maximum Capacities Seated: 250 pax Standing: 450 pax Marquees Allowed New: Killarney House & Gardens opens €5.2m Interpretive Exhibition Killarney House and Gardens is located in the heart of Killarney town, on the doorstep of many of our member hotels and provides a gateway into the 26,000 acres of pristine National Park that surrounds the town. As the final phase of its redevelopment project, the venue recently opened its new Interpretive Exhibition which includes over 300 pieces of graphic artwork, 16 pieces of audio visual content and 450 photos, designed to encourage visitors to explore the history and beauty of the park. In recent times, the House and Gardens have been carefully restored to their former glory and the venue is available for a limited amount of exclusive, outdoor evening events each year. Private tours of the interactive exhibition, the house's historic rooms and gardens can be arranged for delegates as an enhancement to an evening event being held on site or as part of social and/or partner programs. Event Spaces Available Courtyard: Cocktail | Buffet Dinner West Garden: Seated Dinner Min: 50 pax | Max: 450 pax Member Venue SpotlightMuckross Traditional FarmsLift the latch on the door to the past with an event at Muckross Traditional Farms and give your delegates a true taste of Ireland; its culture, history and people. Located in the grounds of Muckross House and Gardens, set against the spectacular backdrop of the National Park, the venue is a re-creation of a rural towns land in the Ireland of the 1930’s, they are actual working farms complete with people and animals. All events are bespoke and tailored to individual requirements and budget. Event Spaces Available: Quills Farmhouse: Max 50 pax Old School House: Max 180 pax Entire Village: Max 1000 pax Feeling Inspired?, do you now have an event or client in mind that would be a great fit for the region? Contact the team today on sales@kerryconventionbureau.com and allow us to assist you to explore and develop creative #MeetInKerry options for your next event....... Kerry Convention Bureau offers a free and impartial service facilitating connections to passionate, local suppliers who are committed to working together to Our region wide membership comprises of small to large meeting and offsite venues, hotels, activity and transport providers. INDUSTRY PARTNERS#MemorableMeetings #InspiredIncentives #CaptivatingConferences #ExtraordinaryEvents |